Anastasiya Bardunova is not just a name in the PR world; she’s a visionary leading the charge for tech startups. With a decade of experience under her belt, Anastasiya has become a formidable force, leveraging her unique skills to help emerging companies thrive. As the founder of Makers PR, based in Dubai, she is on a mission to create a holistic ecosystem that supports and nurtures startups in the region. Her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Early Passion for Storytelling

Anastasiya’s journey began with a love for words and languages. Having studied in Belarus, USA, and China, she dedicated her university years to a dual degree in Interpretation/Translation and Cross-Cultural Communications, complemented by a minor in Public Relations. This foundation ignited her fascination with the power of messaging and storytelling across various domains, including media, advertising, and politics. “The more I dived into the subject, the more I became captivated by how narratives shape our world,” she recalls.

In 2015, Anastasiya stepped into the vibrant startup ecosystem of Belarus, dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe” by the Wall Street Journal. Here, she witnessed firsthand the remarkable technology emerging from this innovative hub, including companies later acquired by giants like Facebook and Google. “The startup world’s promise of a limitless potential made me fall in love with the industry” she explains.

A Proven Track Record with Unicorns

With over ten years of experience, Anastasiya has carved out a niche for herself in the fast-paced world of tech startups. She boasts a portfolio that includes two unicorns—companies valued at over a billion dollars. As an early employee at Flo Health, a women’s health platform, she played a pivotal role in its global PR efforts during its initial stages, helping the platform grow from its infancy to over 20 million users in 2 years. “I was involved in the project from its PowerPoint presentation phase, and seeing it reach a billion-dollar valuation this year was an incredible journey,” she shares.

Another highlight of her career was leading PR efforts for DiDi, a top-5 most expensive global startup, during its IPO in 2022.

The 10-year in-house journey has given her a comprehensive understanding of the PR cycle, from early-stage development to market launch and beyond.

Founding Makers PR: A Dream Realized

In 2023, Anastasiya took a significant leap by founding Makers PR, a communications firm dedicated to supporting technology companies in the MENA region and beyond “Starting my own venture has taken my skills to a new level. At the start, it was both exhausting and fascinating to juggle various roles—from accounting and sales to hiring and actual PR work,” she admits.

Her commitment to helping founders realize their entrepreneurial potential is unwavering. Anastasiya envisions Makers PR evolving into a holistic ecosystem that not only offers PR support but also includes venture capital, community, and educational components. “I want to build an ecosystem where startups can thrive and receive the necessary brand visibility and credibility they need to raise capital, find clients and partners, and go global” she emphasizes.

Lessons Learned from the Startup Ecosystem

Throughout her career, Anastasiya has had the privilege of working with numerous successful founders, observing patterns that define their success. “The mindset is crucial; staying humble and curious while being eager to learn has been vital,” she notes. She stresses the importance of a long-term vision, encouraging startup founders to prioritize loyal team members and mental health over short-term gains.

Anastasiya follows several guiding principles in her professional journey:

• Choose Your Battles Wisely: Passion fuels endurance and willpower to overcome challenges.
• Prioritize Mental Health: It’s essential to pivot when necessary; burning out is not an option.
• Build Relationships: Networking and maintaining a balance of giving and receiving value is critical for success.

Embracing Change in a Dynamic Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of PR and technology, adaptability is key. “The tech world is changing at a tremendous pace. Understanding business lifecycles and human psychology, while being open to learning new trends, has helped me succeed in my industry,” Anastasiya explains. She believes that the next decade will be shaped by innovations in fintech, AI, blockchain, and Web3, and she is committed to staying ahead of the curve. “To make sure we stay ahead of the game, Makers PR partners with biggest industry conferences (GITEX, North Star, Fintech Surge, Blockchain Life), as well as maintains a network of VC connections and mentors startups through acceleration programs”.

Redefining Success

For Anastasiya, success transcends professional accomplishments. It’s about building lasting relationships, having the freedom to pursue passionate projects, and leaving a meaningful legacy with Makers PR. “I want to create an environment where startups can flourish, and where my work has a genuine impact,” she says.

Reflecting on her journey, Anastasiya advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take more risks and embrace the unconventional. “The best choices I’ve made often came from ideas that made people question my sanity,” she laughs.

A Vision for the Future

Anastasiya’s vision for Makers PR is ambitious yet clear: to become the go-to PR brand for tech startups and to create an ecosystem synonymous with nurturing and supporting startups for years to come. “In the next 10 to 20 years, I envision a thriving community where innovation flourishes and entrepreneurs feel empowered to succeed,” she asserts.

Anastasiya Bardunova’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that passion, adaptability, and resilience can have in the world of startups. As she continues to shape the future of tech communications, her story inspires others to embrace their unique paths and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

To stay updated on Anastasiya’s journey and insights, follow her on Linkedin Anastasiya Bardunova. Her dedication to empowering startups and her passion for storytelling make her a force to be reckoned with in the industry.